This idea is from Barbara’s book “CARE Packages for the Home–Dozens of Ways to Regenerate Spirit Where You Live” (McGraw-Hill 1998)
THE IDEA:
When you are feeling especially blessed, find ways to share those blessings with others.
THE IDEA IN ACTION:
A very dear person in my life told me about how she is sharing her blessings in the retirement home where she lives:
There are many people living here who have run out of funds, but they are kept here anyway. None of us knows which ones are in need. I had a “brainstorm,” so I started a little surprise thing. I put a $20 bill in an envelope with a little card saying, “Surprise!” or “Merry Christmas” or “Just for Fun” or “From Santa Claus” with a little red heart sticker. These envelopes are put in different people’s mailboxes with their names on them. You can’t imagine the reactions! People make all sorts of remarks and some say they sure hope it continues and “thank you” if anyone knows who did it. Some put “thank you” notes on bulletin boards, but NO ONE KNOWS (except you now). It is so much fun. So far I’ve sent almost 50, and I intend to continue.
Several weeks later this dear giver sent me the following note which was printed in their little publication Jan/Feb. 1998:
WHODUNIT?
It’s an ongoing mystery on campus. A series of $20 bills appear from time to time, in envelopes addressed for office mail to several different residents. “Just for fun” some anonymous notes have said. My “Merry Christmas” greenback came mid-December.
What fun some sharing, caring person is having! What fun we are having with our conjecture — another resident? a board member? a friendly neighbor? a resident’s thoughtful family? a research project? a service group? We wonder….
Whoever you are, Mr. or Mrs. Whodunit, Thank You!
TIPS:
We are all blessed in so many ways. Find special ways that you can share your blessings, wherever you may be.
Barbara Glanz Biography
A member of the prestigious Speaker Hall of Fame and one of fewer than 700 Certified Speaking Professionals worldwide, Barbara Glanz, CSP, CPAE, works with organizations to improve morale, retention and service and with people who want to rediscover the joy in their work and in their lives. She is the first speaker on record to have spoken on all 7 continents and in all 50 states. Known as "the business speaker who speaks to your heart as well as to your head," Barbara is the author of twelve books including The Simple Truths of Service Inspired by Johnny the Bagger®, CARE Packages for the Workplace, and 180 Ways to Spread Contagious Enthusiasm™. Voted "best keynote presenter you have heard or used" by Meetings & Conventions Magazine, Barbara uses her Master’s degree in Adult Learning to design programs that cause behavior change. She lives and breathes her personal motto: “Spreading Contagious Enthusiasm™” and can be reached at bglanz@barbaraglanz.com and www.barbaraglanz.com.
